We've all heard of the Golden Rule: "Treat others the way you want to be treated." It's the foundation of any moral code (or karmic code, as some would say). But what about Platinum Rule? "Treat others the way THEY want to be treated." It's a switch in perspective. The Platinum Rule doesn't assume that others have the same inclinations or preferences as you do. It's a way of actually stepping into another's shoes and seeing the world from their view. Once you understand where they're coming from, once you understand how it is to be like them, then you'd understand what they like and how they want to be treated.

The term 'Platinum Rule' was coined by Dr. Tony Alessandra, one of the foremost motivational speakers in the country. Dr. Alessandra identified four Behavioral Styles that most people fit in: the Director, Socializer, Thinker and Relater. We all have these qualities to certain degrees, but we all have a dominant style. The point is, if you can identify what another person's dominant style is, you can adapt accordingly and relate to them in a way that wins them over. This is perfect for any kind of business or personal relationship. It's a surefire way of diffusing conflict and establishing rapport, a way of knowing the other person's needs and meeting them. It's a win-win way of motivating someone into action.

What is your Behaviroal Style? Are you a Director, Socializer, Thinker or Relater? What is your boss's style? Or your employee's? What about your wife or son? Read this fascinating article by Dr. Alessandra, The Platinum Rule, and then take the FREE Behavioral Style Assessment to identify your personality style. This is a valuable tool to charge up your emotional intelligence.

After all, it's the EQ (Emotional Intelligence), not IQ, that determines success in the real world, remember? (Hmm, wait a second. Did a Relater come up with that notion? Or a Thinker? Anyway, read on.)

According to the 2004 Retirement Confidence Survey (RCS), 24% of American workers surveyed are Very Confident about having enough money to live comfortably in retirement, 44% are Somewhat Confident, 18% are Not Too Confident, and 13% are Not At All Confident.

About 68% of the workers reported have saved money for retirement, and 58% are currently saving for retirement. More than half of all workers report less than $50,000 in savings and investments (excluding their home), with 29% of those in age 55+ having less than $25,000. However, 13% of people in the same age group mentioned (55+) have saved over $250,000.

Those who are currently not saving for retirement but feel confident that they will have a comfortable retirement cite the following reasons for their confidence:
- they will get money from an employer (34%)
- Social Security will be enough (9%)
- have other money/property (7%)
- will save later (11%)
- trust in God/faith (7%)
- inheritance (3%)
- other reasons (17%)

You can download the full 2004 RCS report here (To download this PDF file, RIGHT-CLICK on the link and then choose 'Save Target As' to save into your computer.)

How well do you measure up? Are you financially on track for a comfortable retirement? Or do you feel uncomfortable whenver this subject is brought up? Well, Lewis Schiff has written an article based on this topic and invites you to take The Armchair Millionaire's Quiz: Are You Financially on Track? He also offers helpful tips on how to make progress with your savings goals. Read this very important article now: How Do You Measure Up Financially? and get a firmer handle on your financial future.